What is jaw bone infection and how to cure it?

Overview

Osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone, is a rare but serious condition that can affect the temporomandibular joint, potentially causing severe jaw pain. Individuals experiencing discomfort in their jaw may wonder if an underlying jaw infection is the cause. While such infections are uncommon, they demand immediate medical attention. Typically, these infections occur when harmful microbes infiltrate the jawbone through abscessed teeth, gum lesions, or traumatic injuries. Even dental restorations, if not properly managed, can lead to bone infection in the jaw. In this blog, we’ll explore jaw infection symptoms, the various types, and the available treatments. Keep reading to know more about this critical issue for your dental health and identify the symptoms of bacterial infection in the jaw.

What is jaw bone infection?

Typically, osteomyelitis is an infection or inflammation that occurs in the bone marrow or bone itself. While it most commonly affects the bones of the spine, pelvis, and extremities, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is rarely impacted by this condition. However, when it does occur in the jaw, it can lead to significant problems affecting the bones of the face and jaw.

The primary cause of this infection is usually the introduction of bacteria into the body, often due to inadequate oral hygiene or following oral surgical procedures, such as a root canal treatment. Tooth decay, jaw traumas, untreated wisdom teeth, or cavities are common sources of infection.

People with conditions that affect the immune system, like diabetes, or those with a history of alcoholism, are at a higher risk of developing osteomyelitis. Additionally, jaw injuries typically from sports-related incidents, dental abscesses, and certain surgical treatments performed before oral surgery can elevate the risk.

What are the symptoms of tooth infection spreading to the jaw?

During the early phase of tooth infection spreading to the jaw, you’ll experience toothache extending to the jawbone. You may also experience

• Increased tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, and sugary foods
• Tender or swollen lymph nodes around the jaw and neck
• Facial swelling

In cases of chronic osteomyelitis, you may encounter jaw and neck stiffness, making eating and speaking challenging. Signs and symptoms of jaw osteomyelitis include:

• Fever 
• Fatigue
• Sinus drainage
• Tooth loss
• Yellowish fluid or pus discharge
• Bump on the gums above the infected tooth
• Tooth abscess
• Foul breath
• A bad taste in your mouth
• Jaw stiffness 
• Redness over the jaw
• Difficulty in opening the mouth
• Difficulty swallowing
• Neck and head pain
• Tenderness when touched

If you suspect a dental abscess, seek immediate dental treatment. Your doctor will likely attempt to drain the infection and may prescribe antibiotics. In severe cases, tooth extraction may become necessary to prevent disease spread. 

Can a tooth infection spread to the jaw? 

Tooth infections and abscesses will not resolve independently without treatment. The infection may spread to other body parts, mainly the jaw, neck, and head. If it travels to the sinus, an opening may develop between the sinus and the abscess. This can lead to severe infection in the sinus cavity or, in severe cases, a life-threatening infection called sepsis. 

While a ruptured abscess can temporarily relieve pain, dental treatment is still required to address the infection. Tooth infections should be immediately addressed in immunocompromised or individuals with weakened immune systems as they are at greater risk of developing sepsis. 

What happens if your jawbone gets infected?

A jaw infection is a serious medical condition that can lead to other potentially life-threatening complications. It can weaken the jawbone and cause dental instability and tooth loss. The persistent, throbbing pain can interfere with everyday activities such as sleeping, eating, and speaking. Jaw infections are at risk of spreading to other organs, such as the heart and brain. Therefore, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention to prevent these infections.

How do you test for jaw bone infection?

To diagnose jaw bone infection, your doctor will conduct a physical examination, checking for tenderness, swelling, or warmth around the affected bone, along with some of the following tests:

1. Blood tests: Elevated levels of white blood cells and other factors in your blood may indicate that your body is actively fighting an infection. If the infection originates in the blood, these tests can help identify the responsible germs. While blood tests alone cannot definitively confirm or rule out osteomyelitis, they provide important clues for further diagnostic steps.
2. Imaging tests: X-rays can reveal bone damage, although such damage may not be visible until osteomyelitis has been present for several weeks. For more recent cases or detailed images, advanced imaging techniques may be employed, such as:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Produces highly detailed images of bones and the surrounding soft tissues using radio waves and a strong magnetic field.
• Computerized tomography (CT): Combines X-ray images from multiple angles to create cross-sectional views of internal structures. CT scans are typically used when an MRI is not feasible.

Osteomyelitis is often misdiagnosed due to its symptoms resembling those of other jaw, skull, or face conditions. If osteomyelitis is confirmed as the source of your pain, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.

How do you get rid of a jawbone infection?

Jaw bone infection can be treated as per the severity of the condition with medications or even surgical intervention for chronic conditions. Here are different treatment options for different stages of the jaw bone infection:

1. Acute Osteomyelitis

This type typically occurs within two weeks after a traumatic event, initial infection, or the onset of an underlying condition. It can be quite severe and even life-threatening. Treatment often involves a four-to-six-week course of antibiotics for adults, like penicillinase-resistant synthetic penicillin and a third-generation cephalosporin. Some patients may require hospitalization, while others can receive outpatient injections or self-administer them at home if capable. If the cause is methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA), your doctor may prescribe vancomycin or clindamycin and a third-generation cephalosporin.

2. Sub-Acute Osteomyelitis

In this form, infection arises within one to two months following trauma, initial infection, or the onset of an underlying condition. Treatment varies depending on the severity and whether new jaw bone damage has occurred. If there’s no bone damage, the treatment resembles acute osteomyelitis. However, if damage is present, the approach is more akin to chronic osteomyelitis. The first line of treatment for sub-acute osteomyelitis is either intravenous clindamycin or oral amoxicillin-clavulanate medicine. 

3. Chronic Osteomyelitis

Chronic osteomyelitis typically occurs around two months after the initial injury, infection, or the start of an underlying disease. Treatment often involves both surgery and prolonged antibiotic therapy to address bone damage. Antibiotics like nafcillin and ciprofloxacin may need to be administered for an extended period, potentially spanning years, to control the infection. In certain cases, particularly persistent infections may necessitate the removal of all or parts of the affected bone.

Can antibiotics cure a jawbone infection?

Antibiotics can cure jaw infections caused by bacterial infections. Amoxicillin is a highly effective medication for treating jaw infections. It belongs to the Penicillin family of antibiotics and is frequently the initial choice for treating such conditions. However, in cases where a patient exhibits an allergic reaction to Amoxicillin, suitable alternative medications are available, including Cephalexin and Clindamycin.

Treating osteomyelitis in the jaws is a complex process, particularly due to the presence of teeth and constant exposure to the oral environment. Antibiotic therapy must often be extended over several weeks or even months to ensure effectiveness. Clindamycin and moxifloxacin, known for their excellent bioavailability in bone tissue, are viable options recommended in such cases. Your healthcare provider will assess your specific condition and medical history to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.

Consult a doctor

In some cases, infections can directly affect the temporomandibular joint in your jaw, leading to a condition known as osteomyelitis. Symptoms of osteomyelitis include jaw and facial pain, facial swelling, and fever. Antibiotics are typically prescribed to resolve the infection; however, delaying treatment can result in partial jawbone deterioration. When dealing with an abscess, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional immediately. Your dentist will aim to drain the abscess and will likely recommend a course of antibiotics.

FAQs about the jaw bone infection